The 600-foot stroll was on a cable strung 180 feet above U.S. Highway 41 along the Sarasota, Florida, bay front. The 34-year-old, who hails from multiple generations of high-flying daredevils, was not wearing a safety tether, and there was no net below to catch him if he fell.

Thousands watched from 180 feet below and television cameras broadcast it live to the world, a stunt intended to promote Wallenda’s performance with his wife and other family members at Circus Sarasota.